As the State of Connecticut continues taking actions in response to the global spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Governor Ned Lamont provided the following updates as of 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2020:

Data updates on testing in Connecticut

Since yesterday's update, an additional 766 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in Connecticut, bringing the statewide total to 14,755. To date, more than 50,143 patients have been tested in Connecticut. Approximately 1,908 patients are hospitalized. The total statewide total number of COVID-19 associated fatalities is 868. It should be noted that the day-to-day changes reflect newly reported cases, deaths, and tests that occurred over the last several days to week.

Governor Lamont today signed an executive order making further adjustments to certain statutes and regulations regarding long-term care facilities as part of the administration's ongoing plan to keep protect and support the vulnerable population of residents who live in nursing homes during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Last weekend, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order No. 7Y, which implemented the state's nursing home surge plan and includes the designation of certain long-term care facilities as COVID-19 recovery centers that will focus on supporting people discharged from hospitals.

To accommodate this emergency need, Governor Lamont today signed Executive Order No. 7AA, which permits the Department of Social Services to temporarily waive the statutory moratorium on new beds at certain nursing homes to accommodate COVID-19-related needs.

For more information related to the plan for long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, read the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).

This is the 28th executive order Governor Lamont has signed since enacting the emergency declarations last month.

Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais today announced that front-line health care workers in Connecticut and Massachusetts may soon be eligible to receive up to $25,000 of life insurance at no cost. The Connecticut Insurance Department has expedited approval of HealthBridge, a new Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) life insurance product that offers no-cost, guaranteed issue policies to front-line health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new HealthBridge coverage allows health care and other workers on the front lines of the pandemic to directly enroll for a no-premium payment three-year life insurance policy with a $25,000 death benefit for issue ages 18 to 50. Workers with issue ages 51 to 60 will receive a no-cost $10,000 death benefit.

Eligible individuals must be employed at a licensed hospital, urgent care center, or with an emergency medical services provider in Connecticut or Massachusetts and have exposure to COVID-19 patients. In addition to doctors and nurses, lab technicians, custodial staff, maintenance crews, cafeteria workers, and security personnel will also be considered for coverage. More details and enrollment information is available on MassMutual's HealthBridge website.

"Innovative products like HealthBridge provide much needed peace of mind and security for those working on the front lines of this pandemic who give so much of themselves for all of us," Commissioner Mais said. "When the company first reached out to us with this idea, we immediately started working to expedite approval so front-line healthcare workers can benefit from the support life insurance can offer."

For more information, read the press release issued today by the Connecticut Insurance Department.

Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, together known as HUSKY Health in Connecticut, are also fully covering COVID-19 testing and treatment without any cost-sharing. Consumers should take note that there are some differences among commercial plans and policyholders should contact their insurer or employer to obtain additional information on important details.

For more information, read the press release issued today by the Connecticut Insurance Department.

Access Health CT special enrollment period ends Friday, April 17

Access Health CT, Connecticut's health insurance marketplace, is reminding residents that the special enrollment period for the state's uninsured population ends this Friday, April 17. Uninsured individuals can sign up for health insurance coverage through Access Health CT during this time. The effective date for enrollment during this special enrollment period that were completed after April 2 will be May 1.

The only way to sign up for this new special enrollment period is by calling 855-365-2428.

In the last month, 1,920 previously uninsured residents have enrolled in health insurance plans through the special enrollment period.

"We are experiencing a public health crisis," Access Health CT CEO James Michel said. "In addition to social distancing and staying home, making sure that you are covered with a quality health insurance plan is a great way to help you and your family stay healthy. If you are uninsured, make sure to call before midnight on Friday."

Individuals who experience a qualifying life event (such as losing coverage due to a job change, moving to Connecticut, getting married, having/adopting a child, etc.) or qualify for Medicaid/Children's Health Program (CHIP) can always enroll online, including in-person or over the phone and all help is free.

Governor Lamont encourages residents to sign up for the state's CTAlert notification system

Governor Lamont is encouraging Connecticut residents to sign up for CTAlert, the state's emergency alert system, which provides text message notifications to users. To subscribe, text the keyword COVIDCT to 888-777.

Providing information to Connecticut residents

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including an FAQ and other guidance and resources, residents are encouraged to visit ct.gov/coronavirus.

Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance and TDD/TTY access. It intended to be used by individuals who are not experiencing symptoms but may have general questions related to COVID-19. Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly urged to contact their medical provider.